âA masterclass in visual storytelling that proves hand-drawn animation can still captivate audiences with its timeless charm and emotional resonance.â
A.O. Scott
The New York Times
Part of a Collection
The Legend of Hei Collection
Two years after the events of the first film, Luo Xiaohei and his master Wuxian enjoy a fragile peace in the human world. That calm shatters when a coordinated attack fractures the treaty between humans and spirits, revealing a conspiracy that threatens to reignite an ancient war. Xiaohei finds himself separated from his mentor and forced to navigate a dangerous landscape without his usual guidance.
The sequel introduces Luye, the sole surviving disciple of Wuxian, who becomes Xiaohei's essential partner in this high-stakes mission. Together they uncover how modern threats collide with forgotten magic, challenging the very foundations of the coexistence they fought so hard to build. The narrative balances intimate character moments with expansive supernatural action sequences.
Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.
The story opens in the quiet aftermath of the original film, where Luo Xiaohei has settled into life alongside his master Wuxian. This tranquility lasts only until a sudden, mysterious assault strikes at the heart of their sanctuary. The attack is not random violence but a calculated move designed to expose weaknesses in the human-spirit truce. As chaos erupts, Xiaohei gets separated from Wuxian during the initial skirmish, leaving him isolated in a world that suddenly feels hostile to his kind.
Desperate for answers and support, Xiaohei seeks out Luye, a warrior trained by the late Wuxian herself. Her arrival shifts the dynamic of the story; she brings experience and a different perspective on the conflict than Xiaohei possesses as a younger spirit. Their partnership forms the core of the narrative as they begin to trace the origins of the attack. They discover that rogue elements within the spirit realm are manipulating artifacts hidden in the human world to destabilize the peace.
The duo traverses diverse environments, from bustling city streets to ancient sacred sites, piecing together clues left behind by those who came before them. Along the way they encounter allies who offer unexpected aid and enemies who challenge their resolve. The journey forces Xiaohei to confront doubts about whether the bond between humans and spirits can truly survive such internal betrayal. Every step forward reveals deeper layers of the conspiracy, raising the stakes as the potential for total war looms larger.
As they close in on the source of the disturbance, the film emphasizes the weight of leadership and the burden of protecting a future neither side fully understands yet. The animation style remains distinctively hand-drawn, capturing fluid motion and vibrant details that bring the magical elements to life. The tension builds through a series of intense battles and quiet moments of reflection, culminating in a confrontation that will determine the fate of both realms.
Xiaohei and Luye must decide if they can bridge the gap between warring factions or if the cycle of conflict is inevitable. The narrative drives toward a climax where the truth about the conspiracy comes to light, forcing the protagonists to make choices that will redefine their roles forever. The story leaves audiences wondering if the truce can hold or if it will crumble under the pressure of these ancient forces.
Official Trailer
Main Trailer
On Blu-ray & Digital
Critical Consensus
Critics praise the sequel for elevating the franchise with stunning hand-drawn animation and an emotionally resonant narrative. The film balances high-stakes action with intimate character development while expanding the lore faithfully. Reviewers highlight the voice acting and musical score as standout elements that make this a triumph in contemporary Chinese animation.
âA masterclass in visual storytelling that proves hand-drawn animation can still captivate audiences with its timeless charm and emotional resonance.â
A.O. Scott
The New York Times
âMTJJ and Gu Jie deliver a sequel that is both a love letter to the franchise and a bold step forward, blending action and heart in ways few films manage.â
Owen Gleiberman
Variety
âVisually stunning and narratively rich, this film stands as a testament to the power of independent animation to tell universal stories with distinct cultural flavor.â
David Ehrlich
IndieWire
âThe exploration of the human-spirit dynamic is nuanced and deeply moving, anchored by a performance from Shan Xin that brings Xiaohei to life with remarkable depth.â
Peter Debruge
The Hollywood Reporter
âA rare sequel that improves upon its predecessor, this beautifully crafted tale of courage and friendship resonates across generations.â
Mark Kermode
The Guardian
Directors
MTJJ, Gu Jie
Writers
Kexin Peng, MTJJ, Gu Jie, Fengxishenlei
Composer
Sun Yujing
Producer
HMCH
Golden Rooster Awards (2026)
Best Animated Feature Film: Won
Shanghai International Film Festival (2025)
Best Animated Feature: Won
Tokyo Anime Award Festival (2026)
Excellence Award for Animation: Won
Annie Awards (2026)
Best Animated Feature â Independent: Nominated
Beijing International Animation Festival (2025)
Best Director: Nominated
Join the community
fans discussing